Vitamin D with calcium may lower hypertension in older individuals struggling with their weight.
A recent study has shed light on the potential health benefits of taking vitamin D in elderly individuals who are overweight or obese. The research, published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society, examined how vitamin D3, when combined with calcium, could impact blood pressure in this group, which is already at a higher risk for hypertension (high blood pressure). The findings suggest that vitamin D may indeed help lower blood pressure, especially in those with higher body mass index (BMI), providing a potential therapeutic option for managing hypertension in older adults.
Vitamin D deficiency is a well-known issue, affecting a large portion of the population, and has been associated with a variety of health problems, including cardiovascular diseases and blood pressure issues. Previous research has indicated a link between low levels of vitamin D and elevated blood pressure, though clinical trials exploring vitamin D’s effect on blood pressure have been inconsistent. Some studies have shown positive outcomes, particularly in older adults, while others, focusing on healthier, younger individuals, did not reveal significant benefits. The researchers behind this new study believed the conflicting results could be due to differences in the study designs, the dosage of vitamin D, or the duration of supplementation.
Vitamin D deficiency can occur due to several factors, including limited sun exposure, which is necessary for the body to produce these vital nutrients naturally. People who spend most of their time indoors, live in areas with long winters, or have darker skin may produce less vitamin D. Additionally, certain medical conditions, such as malabsorption syndromes, liver disease, and kidney dysfunction, can impair the body’s ability to absorb or convert vitamin D. Diets lacking in vitamin D-rich foods, like fatty fish, fortified dairy, and eggs, can also contribute to deficiency. Age, obesity, and the use of certain medications can further increase the risk.
In the study, participants were divided into two groups: one received a standard dose of vitamin D3 (600 IU daily) combined with calcium, while the other received a higher dose of vitamin D3 (3750 IU daily) along with calcium. Both groups showed improvements in blood pressure, but the high-dose group experienced more pronounced reductions. On average, systolic blood pressure decreased by about 4.2 mmHg, and diastolic blood pressure dropped by approximately 3.02 mmHg. These reductions were most significant among participants with a BMI above 30, pointing to the added benefits of vitamin D in those who are overweight or obese. Interestingly, participants who were already on blood pressure medications saw more substantial improvements in these numbers, suggesting that supplementing with vitamin D might work in conjunction with these drugs.
The study also explored whether higher doses of vitamin D would produce greater benefits, but the results indicated that both low and high doses led to similar reductions in blood pressure. While a dose-dependent relationship was not observed, the research still highlighted the important role that vitamin D plays in managing hypertension, particularly for elderly individuals with higher BMI values. It also emphasizes the need for further studies to explore the mechanisms through which vitamin D affects blood pressure and whether these benefits extend to other age groups or those without high blood pressure.
These findings suggest that vitamin D, when taken in combination with calcium, could serve as a valuable tool in managing blood pressure, potentially offering a simple, cost-effective intervention for improving cardiovascular health, particularly for older adults who struggle with maintaining a healthy weight.
Sources:
Vitamin D may lower blood pressure in older people with obesity
Blood Pressure Decreases in Overweight Elderly Individuals on Vitamin D: A Randomized Trial
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